Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Risk Assessor Practice Exam

At what blood lead level does a child typically require chelation therapy?

1. 10ug/dL

2. 20ug/dL

3. 30ug/dL

4. 45ug/dL

The correct answer is: 45ug/dL

Chelation therapy is a medical treatment used to reduce the level of heavy metals in the body, particularly lead in the context of lead poisoning. The indication for starting chelation therapy in children primarily depends on their blood lead concentrations. Current medical guidelines suggest that a blood lead level of 45 micrograms per deciliter or higher is typically the threshold at which chelation therapy is recommended for children. At this level, the risk of lead-related health issues becomes significant enough that health care professionals actively intervene to reduce the lead burden in the body. This treatment helps mitigate the potential cognitive and physical impairments associated with elevated lead exposure. Levels below this threshold might still be a cause for concern, but they usually result in recommendations for monitoring, dietary changes, and potentially environmental interventions rather than pharmacological treatment like chelation.